Publications
Partners
Milton Keynes - Eddie Jones believes Japan can keep alive their dream of reaching their first ever Rugby World Cup quarter-final when they play Samoa on Saturday.
However, the 'Brave Blossoms' coach said it was dependent on them staying in touch for the first hour as they did in their historic victory over South Africa and then striking the killer blow.
Pool B is in a state of flux and unpredictability with Scotland topping the table on a maximum 10 points from two games and South Africa second on seven.
One of those sides will drop points when
they clash on Saturday which will propel the winner of Japan and Samoa - both
on four points - right back into the mix for tickets to the last eight.
Samoa coach Stephan Betham, who has had to rouse his team after their 46-6 thrashing by South Africa last weekend, said the stakes are clear.
"It's do or die for both teams and I'm sure they are feeling what we are feeling.
"It's backs against the wall for both teams and whoever wins will have a great shot at making the quarter-finals," Betham declared.
Jones, who steps down after the World Cup to take over at South Africa's Stormers, has selected his most battle-hardened XV including caps record-holder Hitoshi Ono, who will stride out for his 96th appearance.
"It's the most experienced team to ever play for Japan," said Jones.
"We know we've got a big task ahead of us. If we can stick with Samoa for the first 60 (minutes) then for the last 20 we should be able to come home pretty well."
Jones, who has an excellent World Cup pedigree having guided Australia to the 2003 final and been an adviser to the triumphant Springbok side in 2007, said that judging from the team selected by his Samoan counterpart Stephen Betham it was obvious the Pacific islanders are going for brute force over subtlety.
"They've picked an interesting team, they've left out their acknowledged fetcher (Jack Lam) and picked a very big back row," said Jones.
"So there's no secret as to how they're going to play."
Jones and Japan's outstanding skipper Michael Leitch concurred that having shaken off the fatigue and mental effects of the 45-10 whipping they took at the hands of Scotland, a few days after the Springbok victory, there would be no excuses offered if they lose.
"The team is in excellent condition," said Jones.
"The only thing we're worrying about is the injuries we got from the Scotland game.
"We just need to manage those injuries.
"But apart from that, the physical conditioning of the players is first class. We don't have any excuses for the game."
Leitch, whose brave decision to go for a
winning try in the final minute of the Springbok game contrasted with England
captain Chris Robshaw's similar choice failing against Wales, said the team was
mentally sharp.
"We're going up against a very physical side and our defence will be important," said the 26-year-old New Zealand-born flank.
"The team is really focused now. The South Africa game was what, two weeks ago? We've moved on from that, moved on from the Scotland game. There are no excuses this time."
"It's backs against the wall for both teams and whoever wins will have a great shot at making the quarter-finals," said Leitch.
